iX12 Spektrum Radio
09-15-2018, 01:42 AM
#1
iX12 Spektrum Radio
I just spent a bit of time familiarizing myself with this radio and learning some of the features. Last summer I basically imported my Allure settings from my DX-18, re-bound to the plane and flew in the NATS. Its been pretty busy lately, but took some pictures and a posted them here to highlight some of the features of the radio that I really like.
The touch screen is very nice. It allows very easy access to programming and features. It has a similar "feel" to the touch-screen smart phones. The radio is set up with Android operating system. I won't get into too many of those details, as Jay Smith did a really nice article in Model Aviation (August 2018 edition). www.modelaiviation.com
I use the radio for pattern flying but also have some other planes set up on the radio such as the Radian glider. Joseph has been flying this redio for his pattern plane as well.
While opening up the wifi enabled link to update the software (something done periodically since the radio was recently released) I came across some hurricane updates! Basically, since its on WiFi (or can also connect through Bluetooth) its like having a mobile device build into the Tx. Check emails, Facebook and download music for freestyle. Pretty neat.
The touch screen is very nice. It allows very easy access to programming and features. It has a similar "feel" to the touch-screen smart phones. The radio is set up with Android operating system. I won't get into too many of those details, as Jay Smith did a really nice article in Model Aviation (August 2018 edition). www.modelaiviation.com
I use the radio for pattern flying but also have some other planes set up on the radio such as the Radian glider. Joseph has been flying this redio for his pattern plane as well.
While opening up the wifi enabled link to update the software (something done periodically since the radio was recently released) I came across some hurricane updates! Basically, since its on WiFi (or can also connect through Bluetooth) its like having a mobile device build into the Tx. Check emails, Facebook and download music for freestyle. Pretty neat.
Last edited by Don Szczur; 09-15-2018 at 03:11 AM.
09-15-2018, 02:01 AM
#4
Here are some of the settings for my Allure Pattern plane. One of interest is the throttle to rudder control. This is something that I programmed in for the glow Allure. Its not needed for the Contra Allure, since that plane has two counter rotating propellers which cancel out P-factor and spiraling slipstream as well as the right left (upright) and left thrust (inverted) issues. I have spend a lot of time over the last month flying both Contra and Glow airplanes and each has its advantages. I won't get into those details here but setup for the Glow has a bit of left rudder on down lines with low throttle to keep the fuselage pointed straight. Peter Goldsmith and Mike McConville taught me that trick when I was preparing for the Tournament of Champions some 20 or so years ago...
Throttle curve is limited to (1) meet sound level requirements for F3A and (2) give the power feel desired. I found its actually easier to fly a plane that is not overpowered.
Throttle curve is limited to (1) meet sound level requirements for F3A and (2) give the power feel desired. I found its actually easier to fly a plane that is not overpowered.
09-15-2018, 02:33 AM
#5
Dual Rate and Expo settings. Basically three settings- one for regular flight, one for snaps and one for spins. Varying the amount of expo provides the same feel around neutral and keeps the airplane steady if switching rates while in the middle of stick inputs for wind correction, etc....
09-15-2018, 02:40 AM
#6
Higher expo but same feel around neutral
Less aileron for spin entries, but same feel around neutral for same feel as low and snap rate. Aileron rate will adjust the spin rate- less aileron results in flatter spin, more aileron accelerates the spin rate.
Some more pictures of the curves.
09-15-2018, 02:46 AM
#7
Low rates have a lot of expo for tight stall turns and knife edge looping maneuvers yet gentle around neutral to avoid over inputs during rolling maneuvers
Snap rate has less rudder. Note the curve with expo is adjusted to have the same feel around neutral. This is useful when changing rates for maneuvers such as a knife edge loop with snap at the top, or a triangle knife edge loop with snap at the top- unknown maneuvers.
Spin rate.
Rudder rates.
09-15-2018, 03:04 AM
#8
One of the biggest questions I get is how do you setup the radio between flights?. I almost always go into "sleep" mode between flights, and flying sessions for that matter. This allows quick start up at my next flying session with the simple press of the on-off switch. Two notes- when charging, after unplugging the cord (shown on the left of the picture) the radio "wakes up" so I put it back into sleep mode when plugging in to charge, or unplugging after a charge. . After each flight I go to the sleep mode, as well as after the last flight of the day. Seldom do I turn off the radio completely unless I won't be flying it for a while (like, for more than 3 or 4 days).
De--select RF and Display using touch screen
Touch "Apply" (at the bottom) and the Tx wil go into sleep until your next flight or flying session. I normally do this for day-to-day flying. Battery charge lasts 3 to 4 flying sessions (normally about a week). When ready to fly again I just hit the on button on the Tx and its ready to fly instantly.
De--select RF and Display using touch screen
Touch "Apply" (at the bottom) and the Tx wil go into sleep until your next flight or flying session. I normally do this for day-to-day flying. Battery charge lasts 3 to 4 flying sessions (normally about a week). When ready to fly again I just hit the on button on the Tx and its ready to fly instantly.
